Ryan Cleary, 19, of Wickford, Essex, was charged last month with five offences under the Criminal Law and Computer Misuse Acts, including an alleged hacking attack against Soca's website.

BBC: Keyboard

David Sherborne, representing Ms McDonagh, told Mr Justice Vos that in June 2012, officers from Operation Tuleta - Scotland Yard's investigation into privacy breaches including the alleged hacking of computer and mobile phones - had "obtained evidence" that the Sun had accessed her text messages from about October 2010.

BBC: Sun apologises for accessing MP's stolen phone

Mr Hunt added that he hoped the law "shows no mercy" to those involved in phone hacking - including "any managers who condoned such appalling behaviour".

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